Ok, after much decision making and haggling with one dealership and one private owner, I ended up going with the 2003 b6. The b5 owner simply would not come down on the price, so I told him thanks but no thanks. Dealer didn't give me as much as I was hoping for my jag, but I'm still walking away with a new car and a couple grand in cash. Thanks for all your advice!

Now the question is: Do I change the timing belt myself (I'm technically-inclined, but engines are relatively new to me) or do I pay a local shop to do it?

 

okay well if u dont knw your car yet no dont do it yourself now for a good deal u will expect to pay from 400-600 but u order the parts first and take it to a local mechanic audi dealer wants about 1600 to do yours most likly so check into this place right here http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...Timing/ES8146/
or u can spend an extra 100 and get this one with the updated light weight pulley
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...ming/ES258752/

i hope i helped you out man

 

You absolutely did, I think that's great advice. I know of a local shop that should do the work without bending me over too bad. If I can get the whole thing done for less than 800, I'll be happy.

Any benefit to the light weight pulley?

Is there anything else I should do/have the mechanic do while he's under there? Change fluids (my car has ~80k miles), update hoses, etc?

I plan on getting a chip ASAP, so I'll be in teh market for a new DV, but that seems like something I can do myself. Thoughts?

 

well no i think your set on the matience you can have him look but i doubt there will be anything when the timing belt is done all the fluids are change cause the timing belt comes with all the goodies the light weight pulley i would say would help on you gas millage seeing as its lighter and the car doesnt haft to do as much work prob better rpms and smoother when u get on it and look at this chip right here that should hook u up! http://www.neuspeed.com/products/pro...euro&p_id=1033

http://www.giacusa.com/programs.php?mpid=3

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...e/Chip_Tuning/

 

Congrats on the new B6. Sucks that guy wouldn't get his head out of his ***. Enjoy the purchase.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of Audi ownership. Unfortunately, since you bought the B6 model, guess we won't see you around in the B5 forums much longer. Enjoy your cruising!